The Beginner’s Guide to the Practical Driving Test
By Blind Spot DriveBlog
The Beginner’s Guide to the Practical Driving Test
The Beginner’s Guide to the Practical Driving Test
Outline of the Article
- Introduction
- Brief overview of the importance of the practical driving test
- Addressing the common nerves or concerns beginners face
- What to Expect Before Your Practical Driving Test
- Final lesson with your instructor
- Choosing the right car for the test
- Arriving at the test centre on time
- Required documents and declarations
- Accompanying person for the test
- Checking the car’s roadworthiness
- What to Expect During the Practical Driving Test
- Eyesight Test
- Purpose and how it’s conducted
- ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Vehicle Safety Questions
- Examples of questions and how to prepare
- General Driving Test
- Types of roads and conditions covered
- Specific maneuvers that may be asked
- Importance of observation and control
- Independent Driving Test
- Explanation of independent driving
- How to follow directions and road signs
- Eyesight Test
- How the Practical Driving Test is Judged
- Overview of minor vs major faults
- The consequences of each type of fault
- Importance of staying calm and composed
- Practical Driving Test Pass or Fail
- What happens after the test
- How to react to both passing and failing
- Steps to take if you fail
- 5 Top Tips for Passing the Practical Driving Test
- Importance of observation and mirror usage
- Avoiding test anxiety and staying calm
- Handling mistakes during the test
- Knowing when you’re truly ready for the test
- Staying focused on driving safely, not just passing
- Conclusion
- Encouragement and final tips for test success
- FAQs
- Common questions and answers to ease your nerves
The Beginner’s Guide to the Practical Driving Test
Introduction
So, you’ve aced your driving lessons and passed the theory test—congratulations! But now, the only thing standing between you and that coveted full driving license is the practical driving test. It’s normal to feel a bit anxious before the big day, especially if you’ve heard stories about others’ experiences. But don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what you can expect during your practical driving test, how it’s assessed, and most importantly, how to prepare for success.
What to Expect Before Your Practical Driving Test
The time leading up to the test day can be as important as the test itself. Knowing what to expect can help you stay calm and focused.
Final Lesson with Your Instructor
Having a lesson just before your test is a great way to prepare mentally and physically. Your instructor can help you shake off any pre-test nerves, review key skills, and give you one last chance to perfect anything that may have been nagging at you. This final lesson helps set you in the right mindset, so you’re mentally prepared to face the examiner confidently.
Choosing the Right Car
One of the decisions you’ll need to make is whether to use your instructor’s car or your own. If you choose your own, make sure it’s roadworthy and test-compliant. The examiner will inspect it before the test starts, so ensure things like tyres, lights, and mirrors are all in working order. Some cars, like small convertibles (e.g., a Ford KA Convertible or a Toyota iQ), are not permitted, so double-check before the big day.
Arriving on Time
It might sound like an obvious tip, but it’s crucial. Arriving late could cause unnecessary stress and might even result in needing to rebook your test if the examiner is unavailable. Aim to arrive 15–20 minutes early to give yourself time to calm down and get ready.
Required Documents and Declarations
When you arrive, you’ll need to present two documents: your provisional driving license and your theory test pass certificate. You’ll also need to sign an insurance declaration confirming that the car you’re using is insured. Be sure to have all the necessary paperwork to avoid any delays.
Accompanying Person
You may also want someone to accompany you for moral support, though this isn’t a requirement. It could be your instructor, a friend, or a family member. Having a familiar face can sometimes ease your nerves.
Checking the Car’s Roadworthiness
Before heading to the test area, the examiner will check the car. They’ll ensure everything is in good condition for the test. If anything is wrong, like faulty lights or tyres, the examiner may refuse to proceed with the test, so be thorough when checking your car beforehand.
What to Expect During the Practical Driving Test
Now comes the exciting part—the actual driving! The test is designed to assess your ability to drive safely and competently, so it’s essential to stay calm, focus on your driving, and trust in the skills you’ve developed.
Eyesight Test
Before you start driving, the examiner will ask you to read a number plate from 20 meters. If you can’t read it correctly, the examiner will measure the distance to make sure you’re within the required range. If you still can’t read it, you’ll fail the test, so be sure to wear glasses or contact lenses if you need them.
‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Vehicle Safety Questions
Next, you’ll be asked two vehicle safety questions. These questions are designed to test your knowledge of car maintenance and safety. You might be asked, for example:
- “Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.”
- “Tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.”
If you get these questions wrong, you’ll receive a minor fault, but don’t worry—it won’t automatically cause you to fail.
General Driving
The main driving portion of the test will take around 40 minutes. The examiner will ask you to drive on a selection of local roads, which may include roundabouts, crossroads, and junctions. They’ll be looking for how well you handle different traffic situations, your awareness of your surroundings, and your ability to drive safely.
You’ll also be asked to perform one of four maneuvers:
- Reverse parallel parking
- Reversing around a corner
- Reversing into a bay
- Turning in the road
There’s also a one-in-three chance that you’ll be asked to perform an emergency stop. This maneuver helps the examiner assess your ability to react quickly and safely in an emergency situation.
Independent Driving
Towards the end of your test, you’ll be asked to drive independently. You’ll either be given a set of directions verbally or in map form. The purpose of this segment is to assess your ability to drive without constant guidance from the examiner. Don’t worry if you forget the directions—you can always ask for a reminder.
How the Practical Driving Test is Judged
As you drive, the examiner will be marking your performance. There are two types of faults you can receive:
- Minor Faults: These are small mistakes, like failing to check your mirrors when pulling out or hesitating at a junction. You can accumulate up to 15 minor faults and still pass the test.
- Major Faults: A major fault is serious, either because it’s potentially dangerous (e.g., not checking properly at a roundabout) or it directly endangers people or property (e.g., running a red light). Major faults lead to an automatic failure.
The key takeaway here is that if you make too many minor faults or any major faults, you won’t pass the test. So stay focused, and if you make a mistake, don’t dwell on it—just keep driving.
Practical Driving Test Pass or Fail
After the test, the examiner will let you know if you’ve passed or failed. If you pass, congratulations! You can start driving immediately, though be cautious during your first year on the road—most accidents happen during this period. If you fail, don’t be disheartened. The examiner will explain what went wrong, and you can book a retest once you feel ready.
5 Top Tips for Passing the Practical Driving Test
- Use Your Mirrors Often: The examiner will be watching how aware you are of your surroundings. Regularly checking your mirrors shows that you’re not driving in a bubble but are aware of the traffic around you.
- Stay Calm and Relaxed: Focus on being a safe driver, not just on passing the test. This shift in mindset can help you avoid panic.
- Expect to Make Mistakes: You’re human! If you clip a kerb or take a little longer to park, don’t panic. Simply stay focused and move on.
- Wait Until You’re Ready: Don’t rush to take the test before you’re truly prepared. If your instructor says you’re ready, you probably are—but if you’re unsure, it’s okay to take more lessons.
- Stay Safe: Most importantly, remember the test is not just about getting a license—it’s about ensuring you can drive safely and responsibly. Focus on that, and the rest will follow.
Conclusion
The practical driving test is an important milestone in your journey to becoming a fully licensed driver. By preparing properly, staying calm, and following the tips provided, you’ll set yourself up for success. Keep a positive attitude, and remember—mistakes are just opportunities to learn and improve.
FAQs
1. How many minor faults can I make on the practical driving test?
You can make up to 15 minor faults, but any more will result in a fail.
2. What happens if I fail the practical driving test?
You’ll be given feedback on what went wrong, and you can book another test once you’re ready.
3. Can I use my own car for the test?
Yes, as long as the car is roadworthy and meets the requirements for the test. Check with your examiner beforehand.
4. What should I do if I forget the directions during the independent driving part?
Don’t worry! You can always ask the examiner for a reminder.
5. Can I drive after passing the test?
Yes, once you pass, you can drive immediately, but make sure to be cautious, as accidents are more common in the first year of driving.
Main image by pinterest
Related Posts
Nov 30, 2024
Meet the ADI: Mike Cairns
